The following is transcribed from the CBC Information Morning interview with Dr. Rosen, and Jessica, who participated in two of our past studies, May 21st, 2014.

On her early experiences with vulvodynia

“I didn’t think this was a condition. I thought that I was the only one like this and I thought I was just broken. So I was just really embarrassed and didn’t even think to tell someone.”

“When this study [Partner Responses in Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD) and their Partners] came up, we were both on completely on board right away.”

On her experience with the past studies

“I think the study is helpful because it dramatically changed my relationship. Before, I saw it as myself against my body and my partner, and after they really give you tools to see it as you and your partner as a team, trying to conquer this problem. It made us significantly closer as a couple, not only sexually, but in our daily lives and it gives you tools that really do work to manage the pain. The pain management was a really important factor for me. It increases your intimacy with your partner, which is so important. The things they teach you are really simple but very effective, and you can still be spontaneous and use these pain management techniques together and use that as a tool for intimacy (breathing techniques and things like that). My partner and I were in a really bad place in our relationship stemming from this pain. It may seem like and ‘end of the world’ situation, when there are very simple things to do to make yourself happier and feel more complete.”

On why she decided to take part I the CBC interview

“I felt so isolated and so alone, like it was like me against the world. I just hate to think of a woman in that situation, feeling alone like she can’t turn to anyone, when there are such simple steps to fix the problem. And there are so many other women that are on her side, and are going through this, and can support her with this. I just really don’t want anyone to feel that they are alone and that it’s their fault. I felt like it was my fault when really it’s not your fault, and I just don’t want any other women to feel like I felt.”